Dalton Messina Commits to Ohio State

March 15, 2019 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release

Youngstown Phantoms forward Dalton Messina
(Youngstown Phantoms)

The 5'11 195 lbs. left shot center /wing calls Macomb, Michigan home and joined the Phantoms last season in a January 2018 trade with the Cedar Rapids Rough Riders in exchange for forward Matt Thomson and a conditional draft choice.

Messina has played 65 regular season and 11 playoff games with the Phantoms since being acquire in a trade last season and this year has a 6-14-20 line with 80 penalty minutes in 44 USHL regular season games in Youngstown.

"The reason I chose Ohio State is because of the great tradition of the hockey program and the experienced coaching staff who will help me develop as a player and person while there" said Messina. "The academics are fantastic and their incredible campus and atmosphere is a huge draw and I can't wait to get started on the ice and in the classroom as it's an honor to be a part of a legendary program like this. This decision allows me to now focus on the final stretch of games and playoff time in Youngstown and I'm excited to show my new school what I can bring when the games matter and it's a playoff type situation."

"Our staff is proud of Dalton "said Phantoms' General Manager Jason Koehler. "He has earned an opportunity to go to an outstanding academic and hockey program in Ohio State and has made a positive mark on our on-ice product and locker room since being acquired last season. He may not put up huge offensive numbers to the eye, but Dalton is someone who you want on your team come playoff time and in the trenches and contributes not only with some offense, but also as a great face-off guy, penalty killer, and shut down/ checking line forward. It's been three years in the USHL that Dalton has worked and developed and it's great to see him take care of this decision so he's focused and ready to be a key contributor come playoff time for us."

Ohio State plays in the Big Ten Conference of the NCAA Division I college hockey ranks and is located in Columbus, Ohio.

Current Phantoms' defenseman John Larkin is also committed to Ohio State and recent former Phantoms that have also headed to Columbus include goaltender Sean Romeo, defensemen Tommy Parran and Matt Miller, and forwards Austin Pooley and Luke Stork.

Youngstown Phantoms forward Dalton Messina

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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